We are working with one of the top players operating in the catering industry. They have been providing thousands of meals across the country for generations, and have recently expanded to a power house of the sector.

This is a pivotal new position within the business. The company is seeking a hands-on, commercially astute Financial Controller to take full ownership of its financial operations. The role will act as a true business partner to the Board, responsible for delivering insightful management accounts, supporting commercial strategy, and providing the leadership required to build and mentor a high-performing finance team.

This is a hybrid role, combining core controllership responsibilities—such as management accounting and reporting—with a more strategic, forward-looking commercial focus.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Control & Reporting

• Assume overall responsibility for the company’s accounting function, including the delivery of accurate and timely monthly management accounts, complete with detailed variance analysis and Board-level commentary.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts, aligning financial targets with the Board’s strategic objectives.
• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and salary costings.
• Manage day-to-day financial operations, including cash flow forecasting, cash and card reconciliations, stock reconciliation, and purchase ledger reconciliation.
• Ensure all reconciliations are robust and complete, including VAT, intercompany, and full balance sheet reconciliations.

Commercial Finance & Strategy

• Act as a commercial finance business partner to the senior leadership team, contributing to strategic decision-making, including potential mergers and growth initiatives.
• Analyse sales and profit performance against forecasts, developing and refining KPIs to enhance business planning and performance.
• Partner with operations to model and optimise profitability across multiple revenue streams.
• Leverage and interrogate POS data to generate real-time commercial insights, identifying opportunities for revenue growth and cost efficiencies.
• Apply a structured and analytical approach to simplify and add value to the company’s complex subsidiary structure and financial models.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing finance function, including managing the existing Finance Assistant and supporting their ongoing development.
• Establish a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and professional growth within the team.
• Identify future hiring needs and build a case for expanding the team in line with business growth.

Stakeholder Management

• Manage the relationship with external accountants, ensuring an efficient and well-coordinated year-end process.
• Provide accurate, timely, and insightful financial information to the Board.

Person Specification

• Professionally qualified (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent) is preferred but not essential; candidates with strong relevant experience and a proven track record will also be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in a senior financial management role, ideally within high-volume, low-margin sectors such as catering, hospitality, or food retail/QSR.
• Experience within multi-site or franchise environments is highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in cloud-based accounting systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial modelling and data analysis.
• Experience working with POS systems and large data sets is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of business models involving management fees, retail/QSR operations, and multi-site structures.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Highly analytical and structured, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to simplify complex financial information.
• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage, motivate, and develop teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence operating at Board level.
• Proactive and hands-on, with a willingness to engage in detail while maintaining a strategic perspective.
• Driven and resilient, able to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and challenge existing ways of working.